THY ART IS MURDER Parts Ways With Singer CJ MCMAHON

Australia's incendiary extreme musical export THY ART IS MURDER has parted ways with singer CJ McMahon.

Commented the remaining members of the band: "After much conjecture and ambiguity on his behalf, it is with a heavy heart that we must announce today that CJ is no longer a part of THY ART IS MURDER.

"We have worked so hard from day one to make this band what it is now and develop the reputation that we have and he had been there with us every step of the way.

"We like to think that even if someone doesn't like our music that they can at least respect our work ethic.

"This band has taken us to places we never thought we would see and to share stages with many bands we never thought we would get to play with or meet, let alone call friends. It is unfortunate that with our best year to date and our biggest paved out before us that he has decided to leave.

"All this being said, touring as hard as we do does take its toll on you physically, but, more importantly, mentally and emotionally.

"We are an underground metal band and have been so fortunate over the last two years to carve out a small income thanks to so many dedicated and generous fans around the world. For some people, it comes to a turning point in their life where that income is no longer enough for their personal goals, and that point has come for CJ.

"We would like to wish him all our best as he leaves the band and moves onward to start a family and new life with his loving fiancée.

"The four of us are continuing forward into 2016 for some of the biggest and best tours of our lives. We won't be slowing down or missing any shows. We head back out next month with PARKWAY DRIVE and ARCHITECTS throughout Europe and the U.K. and will be taking one of our favorite vocalists with us, Nick Arthur from MOLOTOV SOLUTION.

"THY ART is what we have done with all of our adult lives and we have put absolutely everything we have into the band and the friendship between the four of us. That friendship and drive to create extreme music is what has kept us together through thick and thin. Unfortunately, not everyone can share this fire."

THY ART IS MURDER's third album, "Holy War", entered the official Australian Recording Industry Association (ARIA) chart at position No. 7 — the highest-ever position for an Australian extreme metal act. The Sydney-based band has generated controversy for the strong anti-religious stance of the title track's video, as well as the album cover which features references to a suicide bomber.

"Holy War" was released in Australia via UNFD and in other parts of the world through Nuclear Blast. Produced and mixed by Will Putney (SUICIDE SILENCE, EXHUMED, THE ACACIA STRAIN),the CD was made available in various formats: digital; limited digipak + bonus track; assorted color vinyl; exclusive mail-order picture disc.